Michael Kocabay, a missing 20-year-old CSUN student, has been found deceased near a hiking trail, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Kocabay was found on the 12300 block of Little Tujunga Canyon Road and pronounced dead on Nov. 11 at 5:56 p.m. The cause of death has not been released.
At approximately 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Arianna Kocabay announced the death of her brother through an Instagram story, writing, “Unfortunately I’m heartbroken to update my best friend…my world…my brother has passed.”
Kocabay had been reported missing since Sept. 25 and was last seen at approximately 8 a.m. in Little Tujunga Canyon outside of the Angeles National Forest Gateway Ranger District Office. It was later reported to the family that Kocabay may have taken a bus to a secondary location, however police were not able to confirm this tip.
Kocabay’s family was immediately concerned following his disappearance, having discovered a note which they believed indicated suicidal intent, according to a CBS 42 report.
(Courtesy of the Kocabay Family)
Family friend Lili Bagherzadeh created an Instagram account dedicated to finding Kocabay. Shortly after his sister’s announcement of his death, Bagherzadeh made a statement on the account.
“Please keep the family in your prayers, and continue to respect their privacy as they navigate this tragedy,” she wrote, and thanked followers for their support.
According to Bagherzadeh, it has been important to the family to humanize Kocabay and highlight the beautiful person he was. She said Kocabay, who studied art at CSUN, had a love for school, video games and spending time with his family, who he was very close to.
“He’s just a sweet kid,” Bagherzadeh said in a prior interview with The Sundial. “He’s, like, really gentle. He’s a good sense of humor. Just like all around, I think everyone would describe Michael as sweet.”
For students struggling with mental health or looking for support, the University Counseling Services are available for virtual and in-person appointments.
